Self-contained agitator for washing clothes



R. P. HARSHBERGEW SELF-CONTAINED AGITATOR FOR WASHING CLOTHES Filed Dec.'7, 1946 Sheets-Sheet 1 0/ H Tammi, U

W g E w by Om WQ U m MN MW Dec. 23, 1952 R. P. HARSHBERGER 276229425SELF-CONTAINED AGITATOR FOR WASHING CLOTHES Filed D80 7, 1946 4Sheets-Sheet 4 Q SQH IQWowshberger [3; 6141"; @370 W. raw- Patented Dec.23, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SELF-CONTAINED AGITATOR FOR WASHINGCLOTHES 11 Claims. 1

agitator unit adapted to be operatively suspended in any suitable andconveniently available container serving as the tub for the wash goodsand water.

A further object is to provide a portable clothes washing unit having anagitator head on one end,

and housing an operating mechanism which is fully enclosed out ofcontact with the wash water, and which serves to impart a gyratory orvibratory motion to the head.

Another object is to provide a portable and fully self -containedclothes washing unit in which the operating mechanism for imparting theagitating motion is selectively adjustable to produce and vary thamplitudes of component vibrations of said motion both horizontally andvertically.

A further object is to provide a clothes washing unit of the foregoingcharacter which is simple and inexpensive in construction, and cincientand reliable in operation.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the descriptionproceeds.

Referring more particularly to the drawings,

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine or unit,embodying the features of the present invention, operatively immersed ina conventional stationary laundry tub.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of th unit.

Fig. 3 is a. fragmentary plan view, on a still larger scale andpartially in horizontal section, of the unit.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the unit in avertical plane.

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are fragmentary sectional views taken respectivelyalong lines 5--5, 6-45 and 'I---'I of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of two vibration producing elements formingpart of the operating mechanism within the unit, and shown in oneextreme position of relative adjustment to obtain maximum vibration in alongitudinal or vertical direction.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8, but showing the elements in theother extreme position of relative adjustment to obtain minimumvibration vertically.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary detail s ctional view taken along line Ill|8 ofFig. 5, and illustrating a clutch in the drive to one of the vibrationproducing elements.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the washing machine orunit, constituting the exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprisesgenerally an elongated rigid housing II, preferably of metal, which isadapted to be operatively suspended in a generally vertical position,with the lower end immersed in a suitable container I2 for the clothesto be washed and the wash water. The container I2 may be of any suitablecharacter, conveniently at hand, and in the present instance is shown asa conventional laundry tub. The lower end portion of the externalhousing I I is considerably enlarged to constitute a casing I3,preferably square in horizontal section, for enclosing and operativelysupporting a motion producing mechanism. The upper end portion I4 of thehousing II projects vertically from approximately the center of thecasing I3, and at the top supports a suitable electric drive motor I5connected therethrough to the motion producing mechanism. A sheathing orjacket I5 of water impervious material, such as rubber, externallyencloses and conforms closely in shape to the housing I l, except forthe extreme upper end of the latter which is left exposed to afford arigid mounting for the motor I5, and which normally does not come intocontact with the wash water. In any event, the motor I5 serves to closethe upper nd of the housing II so that the washing machine constitutes afully self-contained portable agitator unit, with the operatingmechanism enclosed and sealed therein, and substantially the entireexterior of the housing I I is protected against contact with the washwater.

The unit is adapted to be operatively suspended in any suitable manner.In the present instance, the top of the motor I5 is provided with an eyeI! adapted to be engaged with a hook IS on the lower end of a coiledsuspension spring I9 anchored to an overhead bracket 20. The electriccord 2| of the motor I5 may extend upwardly along the spring I9 andthence to a suitable electric outlet plug (not shown). With the unitthus suspended, the enlarged lower end is adapted to be immersed in thewash water to the desired depth, and, by reason of the motion producingmechanism therein, constitutes a selfactuated washing agitator. Theefficiency of agitation is improved by reason of the non-circular shapeof the casing I3 and surrounding rubber sheathing I6, and may be furtherenhanced by providing concave circular recesses 22 in the sides andbottom of the latter.

Within the broad aspects of the invention, the motion producingmechanism enclosed within the casing I3 may be of any suitable charactercapable of creating an efficient washing action. In general, themechanism is adapted to create a gyratory motion with superimposedvibrations both vertically and horizontally, and is adjustable to varythe intensity and character of the motion as desired to satisfydifierent washing requirements. In the preferred form and veryadvantageously, the mechanism is arranged to produce the desired motionthrough the action of at least one and preferably a plurality ofrevolving eccentric weights. Thus, two similar eccentric weights 23 and24 are mounted in 29 is journalled in the arm 28 within the slot 29',and is disposed in rolling engagement with the periphery of the shaftoppositely to the mass of the weight.

Suitable provision is made for revolving the weights 23 and 24 jointlythrough a drive from the motor I5. In the present instance, a drivesleeve 39, which serves also as a spacer sleeve, is rotatably disposedon the shaft 25 between the hubs 21 of the weights 23 and 24. One end ofthe sleeve 36 is positively keyed through interfitting radial ribs 3|and grooves 32 to the hub 21 of the weight 24. Ihe other end of thesleeve extends into an annular coaxial flange 33 on the inner face ofthe hub 27 of the weight 23.. ,,g

A clutch collar 34, with a peripheral groove 35, is slidably keyed tothis end of the sleeve 30, and is formed on the outer side with a seriesof radial grooves 36 adapted for intermeshing engagement withcomplemental lugs 31 formed in the end face of the flange 33. A coiledcompression spring 38 normally tends to urge the collar 34 into drivingengagement with the hub 21 of the weight 23 so that it will be revolvedin unison with the weight 23.

The drive transmission comprises a pinion 39 coaxial and rigid with thesleeve 39. The pinion meshes with a worm as on a vertical shaft 4| whichis journalled at the upper end in av bearing block 42 integral with atransverse wall 43 between the casing I 3 and neck I4 of the housing Ii.The lower end of the shaft GI is journalled in needle bearings 4t andaxially supported by an end thrust bearing 45 within a bearing bracket46 secured to one side wall of the casing I3. Speed-change gears 41 andc8 connect the shaft M to a stub shaft 49 journalled in and extendingcentrally through the bearing block 42. A collar 59 secured to the upperend of the shaft 49 above the wall 43 serves to maintain the shaft 49 inposition. An intermediate shaft 5| extending axially through the neckportion I4 of the housing II has a separable drive connection at thelower end with the shaft :9, and is coupled at the upper end to theshaft 52 of the motor I5. Thus, the motor I5 is operatively connected atall times to drive the sleeve 39.

The revolving weights 23 and 24 are of substantial mass, and serve toimpart a pronounced gyratory motion to the agitator head, with lateraland longitudinal vibratory components. The longitudinal or verticalcomponent of vibration is subject to control by adjusting the angularphase relation between the weights 23 and 24. Thus, through the mediumof the clutch collar 34, the rotor or eccentric weight 23 may bedisengaged so as to permit rotary adjustment thereof into differentangular positions relative to the sleeve 39. Fig. 8 illustrates theweights 23 and 24 disposed at the same side of the axis to producemaximum vibration. Fig. 9 shows the Weights offset 180 from each otherso that their action is substantially neutralized vertically.Intermediate positions of relative phase adjustment between these limitswould result in proportional variations in the vertical component ofvibration. In general, the motion produced by the revolving weights iscomplex in nature, but subject to modification as to intensity andcharacter. While it is diihcult specifically to define the variousorbits of movement, it appears that when the weights are adjusted tocoincide as shown in Fig. 8, maximum vibration or gyration vertically ina generally circular orbit is obtained, and, when the weights areadjusted 180 out of phase as shown in Fig. 9, the vertical component iseliminated or substantially reduced, but, due to the axial spacing ofthe weights, an enhanced horizontal oscillatory motion is obtained.

Any suitable control means may be provided for actuating the clutchcollar 34. In the present instance, the collar 34 is engaged by a swinging yoke 53 pinned to a rock shaft 54 and confined vertically betweentwo spaced bearing legs 55 through which the shaft extends. The upperend of the shaft 54 projects above the wall 43, and has an axiallyseparable drive connection with an aligned shaft 56 extending throughand journalled in a bearing lug 51 at the top of the neck portion I4 ofthe housing I I. An oscillatable hand lever 58 confined within a slot 59in the lug 5! is pinned to the shaft 56, and is adapted to be heldreleasably by a spring detent 60 in different selective positions ofadjustment respectively to maintain the clutch collar 34 in openposition or closed position.

Preferably, though not essentially, a third eccentric weight or rotor BIis supported in the casing I3 for rotary drive about a vertical axis toaugment the amplitude of horizontal vibration of the agitator head. Moreparticularly, the weight has a slot 62 receiving the shaft 4|, and iskeyed to the latter for rotation therewith by a pin 63 extendinglongitudinally of the slot. A coiled compression spring 64 is confinedon the pin 63 between a stop nut 65 and the shaft 4| opposite theeccentric mass, and tends to reduce the radial projection of the weightin opposition to centrifugal force.

To facilitate assembly, the lower end of the casing I3 is closed by aremovable plate 66. This permits the elements of the motion producingmechanism to be inserted through and assembled from the bottom of thecasing I3 before the plate 66 is secured in position. Necessaryassemblies duced diameter.

in the neck portion l4 may be effected through the open upper end beforethe motor I5 is bolted in position. After completion of the assembly,the rubber sheathing I6 is placed and if necessary vulcanized about thehousing II.

To facilitate handling of the washing unit, a hand wheel 61 is securedto the upper end. In the form shown, the wheel 61 comprises a circularrim 6'! located concentrically about the motor [5, and rigidly connectedby downwardly inclined arms 61" to a circular mounting ring 68 of re-The ring 68 is seated in a pcripheral groove 69 formed in a thickenedrim 10 on the extreme upper end of the rubber casing l6.

While the invention has been disclosed in a unitary structure especiallyadapted for washing clothes it will be appreciated that the unit in theform shown or with slight alterations or modifications may be utilizedfor'numerous other purposes where mixing or stirring of liquid orviscous materials is desired. Thus the unit may be used to advantage inmixing chemical ingredients.

I claim as my invention:

1. A self-contained agitator unit comprising, in combination, anelongated housing adapted to be operatively suspended in a vertical position and having an upper neck portion and a lower head portionconstituting an agitator, two axially spaced eccentric Weights mountedin relatively fixed relation to each other in said head portion forunidirectional revolution about a common transverse axis, and drivemeans for revolving said weights in unison.

2. A self-contained agitator unit comprising, in combination anelongated housing adapted to be operatively suspended in a verticalposition and having an upper neck portion and an enlarged lower headportion constituting an agitator, two axially spaced eccentric weightsmounted in said head portion for revolution about a common transverseaxis, and power means for driving said weights in unison, said meansbeing adjustable to permit adjustment of the angular phase relationbetween said weights, whereby said weights may be disposed selectivelyat the same side or at opposite sides of the axis of revolution.

3. A self-contained agitator unit adapted for washing clothes, said unitcomprising, in combination, an elongated housing having a neck portionat one end and a head portion at the other end constituting an agitator,two axially spaced eccentric weights mounted in said head portion forunidirectional revolution about a common transverse axis, drive meansfor revolving said weights in unison about said axis, and a clutchinterposed in said means for connecting or interrupting the drive to oneof said weights.

4. A self-contained agitator unit adapted for washing clothes, said unitcomprising, in combination, an elongated housing adapted to beoperatively suspended in a vertical position and having an upper neckportion and a lower head portion constituting an agitator, a transverseshaft fixed in said head portion, an eccentric weight revolvable on saidshaft, an idler wheel mounted within said weight opposite the eccentricmass and disposed in rolling engagement with said shaft, and power drivemeans for revolving said weight.

5. A self-contained agitator unit adapted for washing clothes, said unitcomprising, in combination, an elongated housing adapted to beoperatively suspended in a vertical position and having an upper neckportion and a lower head portion constituting an agitator, a transverseshaft fixed in said head portion substantially perpendicular to the longaxis of the housing, an eccentric weight revolvable on said shaft, anelectric drive motor on the upper end of said neck portion, a drive geartransmission within said head portion for said weight and connectedthrough said neck to said motor, and a casing of water imperviousmaterial enclosing said head portion, said head portion and casing beingsquare in transverse shape, and said casing being formed externally invarious faces with recesses defining washing edges.

6. A self-contained agitator unit adapted for washing clothes, said unitcomprising, in combination, an elongated housing having a neck portionat one end and an enlarged head portion at the other end constituting anagitator, a transverse shaft fixed in said head portion, an eccentricweight revolvable on said shaft, an electric drive motor on the end ofsaid neck portion, and a drive gear transmission within said headportion for said weight and connected through said neck to said motorand a second eccentric weight mounted in said head portion forrevolution about an axis extending longitudinally of said unit andconnected for drive to said transmission.

7. A self-contained agitator unit adapted for washing clothes, said unitcomprising, in combination, an elongated housing adapted to beoperatively suspended in a vertical position and having an upper neckportion and a lower head portion constituting an agitator, a transverseshaft fixed in said head portion, an eccentric weight revolvable on saidshaft, an electric drive motor on the upper end of said neck portion,and a drive gear transmission within said head portion for said weightand connected through said neck to said motor and a second eccentricweight mounted in said head portion for revolution about an axisextending longitudinally of said unit and connected for drive to saidtransmission and clutch means for disconnecting one of said weights fromsaid transmission.

8. A self-contained agitator unit adapted for washing clothes, said unitcomprising, in combination, an elongated housing having a neck portionat one end and an enlarged head portion at the other end constituting anagitator, a transverse shaft fixed in said head portion, an eccentricweight revolvable on said shaft, power drive means for revolving saidweight and including a clutch for making or interrupting the driveconnection, and means for actuating said clutch including a controllever at the outer end of said neck portion.

9. A self-contained agitator unit adapted for Washing clothes, said unitcomprising, in combination, an elongated housing having a neck portionat one end and an enlarged head portion at the other end constituting anagitator,

motion producing means mounted within said head portion and effective toimpart a gyratory motion thereto, and an electric motor mounted on theouter end of said neck portion and connected therethrough to drive saidmotion producing means, a water impervious sheathing enclos ing saidhousing substantially to said motor, and a handle secured to the outerportion of said neck portion, said handle comprising a circular rimabout said motor and a mounting ring tightly embracing the motor endportion of said sheathmg.

10. A self-contained agitator unit comprising, in combination, anelongated housing, two axially spaced eccentric weights mounted in thelower end portion of said housing for revolution about a commontransverse axis, and power means for driving said weights in unison,said means being adjustable to permit adjustment of the angular phaserelation between said weights, whereby said weights may be disposedselectively at the same side or at opposite sides of the axis ofrevolution.

11. A self-contained agitator unit comprising, in combination, anelongated housing adapted to be operatively suspended from the upper endin 15 a generally vertical position and with the lower end free forlateral and vertical movement, a transverse shaft fixed in the lower endportion of said housing, an eccentric weight revolvable on said shaft,an idler wheel mounted within said weight opposite the eccentric massand disposed in rolling engagement with said shaft, and power drivemeans for revolving said weight.

RUSSELL P. HARSHBERGER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,242,824 Lindsay Oct. 9, 19171,328,576 Lindsay Jan. 20, 1920 2,018,789 Jorgensen Oct. 29, 19352,143,854 Barker Jan. 17, 1939 2,257,932 Basler Oct. 7, 1941 FOREIGNPATENTS Number Country Date 691,392 France July 8, 1930

